The orange diamond with a figure holding a flag warns that a person is directing traffic ahead, usually where a work zone squeezes two directions into one lane. The flagger's STOP and SLOW paddle is a portable, human-operated traffic signal.
The rule that makes this sign matter: a flagger's direction overrides signs and signals. If the flagger shows STOP, you stop, whatever the posted controls say, and you move only on the SLOW face or a clear wave-through. Disobeying a flagger is treated like running a signal, and in a work zone often carries higher penalties.
Slow down immediately and be ready to stop where the flagger stands. Obey the paddle without negotiation: STOP means stop and wait, SLOW means proceed at reduced speed along the path shown. Keep your eyes on the flagger while moving through, since instructions can change mid-zone.
Questions pair it with the general Road Work sign that opens the zone, and probe the override rule: between a green light, a posted limit, and a flagger, the flagger wins. The pedestrian-figure warning signs look similar at a glance, but only the flagger holds a flag or paddle, on an orange background.
This sign appears in 14 questions across 14 of our state banks, on Driver License practice tests. Start with your state:
A work-zone flagger displays a STOP paddle. Which response is required?
Why: Work-zone flaggers use red flags or STOP/SLOW paddles to stop, slow, or guide traffic, and drivers must follow their directions carefully. Therefore, the supported response is "Stop and follow the flagger's directions".
Every practice test explains its answers this way. Pick your state and take one free; no sign-up.
Choose your stateA person is directing traffic ahead with a STOP and SLOW paddle, usually where a work zone reduces the road to one shared lane. Slow down and be ready to stop at their position.
Yes. A flagger's direction takes precedence over posted signs and signals in the zone. If the paddle says STOP, you stop, even if everything else suggests you could proceed.
STOP means come to a complete stop and wait at the flagger's station. SLOW means proceed, at reduced speed, along the path the flagger indicates. There is no third option and no rolling through a STOP face.
Because the traffic pattern changes minute by minute: alternating one-lane traffic, trucks entering, crews moving. A person can meter traffic in real time in a way fixed signs cannot.
As identification of the orange symbol and as the override rule in scenario form: who do you obey when a signal and a flagger disagree. The tested answer is always the flagger.